Manchester Airport Expansion: What You Need to Know By Flight and Travel Expert Mr Plane Guy Manchester Airport is on the move again! While work is wrapping up on the shiny new Terminal 2, the airport is already gearing up to give Terminal 3 a serious glow-up. Plus, with Terminal 1 on its way out, there are some exciting changes coming to Manchester's favourite travel hub. Terminal 2: Bigger, Better, and Almost Done If you've flown from Manchester recently, you might have noticed the progress at Terminal 2. The final phase of its expansion is set to open later this year, bringing a new high street-style shopping area called The Avenue, a revamped security hall with 3D scanners, and a second pier with more boarding gates. They even released a fly-through video back in February showing off the sleek new space! The latest addition to Terminal 2 includes fresh check-in desks that are now open, and the security hall is just around the corner. According to Manchester Airport Group (MAG), Terminal 2 is set to become the airport's 'beating heart', serving over 70% of passengers once complete. Goodbye, Terminal 1, Hello, Terminal 3 Expansion With Terminal 1 nearing its final take-off, the space is being put to good use by expanding Terminal 3. Expect a new entrance, 40% more seating in the departure lounge, a 500-seat bar with views of the airfield, and an extra 200 seats in the dining area. There will also be new security tech and more shops and amenities landside. It's all about making Terminal 3 even more comfortable and efficient. Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe, is enthusiastic about the transformation, stating, "Our transformation programme means that passengers will soon enjoy an experience that rivals any European capital city. Moving to a two-terminal airport gives us a fantastic opportunity to maximise the potential of Terminal 3, using some of the existing Terminal 1 space to significantly increase comfort and convenience for our passengers." The expanded Terminal 3 will feature enhanced seating and relaxation zones designed for both business and leisure travellers. The new bar area will offer stunning views of the airfield, creating a more enjoyable pre-flight experience. Meanwhile, the dining area will have more seating, giving passengers a spacious environment to grab a meal or coffee before boarding. The addition of cutting-edge security equipment means quicker, more efficient screening, no one likes long queues before a flight! Plus, with new landside shops and amenities in the arrivals area, Terminal 3 will be a hub for both departing and arriving passengers. Lounge Access at Terminal 3 If you're traveling from Terminal 3, don’t forget to upgrade your airport experience with lounge access. The Escape Lounge and 1903 Lounge both offer a relaxed environment to unwind before your flight. Whether you want to grab a bite, sip a drink, or catch up on work, these lounges are worth every penny, especially when you get a reduced rate of £24 through your Priority Pass membership ! 👉 Click here to book your Priority Pass and enjoy exclusive lounge access worldwide! 👉 Exclusive Offer   Sign up for Priority Pass and save 30% today! What is Priority Pass? Priority Pass is your golden ticket to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. Membership plans start from as little as £69 per year, but with my exclusive 30% discount , you can get started for just £48! Use my link below to sign up (yes, I do get a small kickback, and I appreciate your support). Take a Look Here   ( I get a tiny kickback BTW, thank you for the support ) Car Parking at Manchester Airport Don't forget about parking! Manchester Airport has plenty of options to suit your needs, from multi-storey car parks just a short walk from the terminals to budget-friendly long-stay options with shuttle services. Pre-book to save money and guarantee your spot. Plan Your Airport Parking : Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless. Check out Prices and Information HERE Ready for Take Off Manchester Airport is on a mission to make traveling from the North smoother and more stylish than ever. With the upcoming Terminal 3 expansion and the sleek new features in Terminal 2, the future looks bright for travelers. Plus, with lounge access and convenient parking options, your journey can start stress-free! Safe travels and see you at the airport! Hello  I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month! I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity! I hope you enjoyed this   Manchester Airport Expansion: What You Need to Know, do let me know in the comments.......

They’re the currency used by airlines like British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and others to reward Link Your Shopping When shopping online, use the British Airways Shopping Portal. Qatar Airways and British Airways often run sales where you can snag points at a discount. Log in via the British Airways or Avios websites using your membership details. Reward Flight Finder can help you spot British Airways reward seat availability and set alerts for the

Happy landings, Mr Plane Guy This week in Plane News: British Airways to Base Boeing 787-10 at Gatwick Boarding Announcements, New Routes & Airline Updates Plane News Weekly British Airways to Base Boeing British Airways has confirmed it will begin replacing its ageing Boeing 777-200 fleet at London Gatwick I just recently flew with British Airways from London Gatwick in Club Europe and visited British Airways

the main departure point from the south east of the UK for travellers flying with airlines such as British Airways, Wizz Air, and Norse Atlantic Airways. Plane Relate Links: Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick North Terminal Curious what it’s like flying British Airways from Gatwick? Read my British Airways Business Class Gatwick review   for a Plane Honest look at the experience.

Check out my article on where British Airways flies from London Gatwick and the latest on Norse Atlantic Articles 10 Essential Tips for Dealing with Flight Delays and Cancellations Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways

TUI Checked Baggage Allowance When flying with TUI Airways as part of a package holiday, your checked Packages with TUI Airways:  Bookings with TUI Airlines include a generous 25kg of checked luggage per British Airways Euroflyer at London Gatwick have slightly different rules as does BA CityFlyer from London What Is British Airways Euroflyer ? How are they different to BA?  Qatar Baggage Allowance: Full details in my Qatar Airways Economy Class review Tips: Roll clothes,

British Airways Tier Points: Bonus System Explained (I’ll be adding deeper guides to each of these areas Airways and several Avios partner airlines, including Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair. British Airways releases a limited number of Avios seats on each flight. It doesn’t replace British Airways it monitors reward availability for you. Business Class Upgrade in 3 Months Find Cheap Flights Fast, Without Endless Searching British Airways

Reward Flight Finder  shows you up to 355 days of British Airways reward availability on one simple page Gatwick to JFK Flight Details TRAVEL DATES January-March (example trips below) AIRLINE Norse Atlantic Airways Cheap Flights Fast, Without Endless Searching Plane Talk, Insider Insight & Reader Engagement I Hope British Airways Are Reading: We Want Sausage! From 7 January 2026 , British Airways is removing hot breakfasts from Club Europe on key short-haul routes

Spacious Airline Standard Seat Pitch (inches) KLM 29–33 Lufthansa 30–32 Aer Lingus 31–32 Ryanair 30 British Airways 29–31 Norwegian 29–31 TAP Portugal 28–31 easyJet 29 TUI Airways 29 Vueling 29–30 Jet2 28–31 Among the UK’s biggest names, easyJet and TUI Airways sit roughly in the middle at around 29 inches. the Dreamliner When Economy Surprises You: Why Etihad Sets the Standard It’s worth noting that Etihad Airways

British Airways Euroflyer is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Chania, Crete , operating 4:30am–9:30pm , sits airside in T1 , and is accessible for most Schengen departures , including ITA Airways Reward Flight Finder  shows you up to 355 days of British Airways reward availability on one simple page

Airways Galleries Lounge South BA Club Europe & Executive Club ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐⭐ My Lounge South Terrace & smoking Clubrooms (South) No1 Lounge (South) My Lounge (with outdoor smoking terrace) Aspire Lounge British Airways British Airways Galleries Lounge, South Terminal Airline lounge for Emirates premium passengers, offering (You can read my full British Airways Euroflyer review here) and of course a review of British Airways ✈ More Plane Guides Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha

Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access, Was It Worth It? By travel expert and airport lounge Champagne sampler, Mr Plane Guy Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support! Let’s be honest airport terminals these days can be a bit of challenge to get thru, security lanes, constant rule changes, stressing about your bags size, delays, screaming kids, £7 bottles of water. So last year, I finally did what any self-respecting frequent flyer should: I got myself a Priority Pass. Fast-forward 12 months, and I’ve used it around three times a month. I’m here to give you the unfiltered and highly mathematical breakdown of whether Priority Pass is actually worth it in 2026, from a man who has spent far too much time in airports. I’ve now used Priority Pass over 30 times across multiple airports, so this review is based on real-world experience, not just theory. Is Priority Pass Worth It in 2026? (Quick Answer) Priority Pass is worth it if you use airport lounges at least five or six times a year, particularly when the alternative is paying £35–£45 for each visit. After 36 visits in one year, I saved money and found travelling noticeably more comfortable. However, occasional travellers may be better off paying for lounges individually, while frequent travellers should compare Standard Plus and Prestige carefully. Lounge quality varies and admission is not guaranteed when lounges are busy. Category My verdict Overall rating 4.5/5 Best for Regular and frequent flyers Biggest advantage Lower-cost lounge visits worldwide Biggest drawback Entry can be restricted at busy times Visits tested 36 Would I renew? Yes What is Priority Pass? In case you've been living under a baggage carousel, Priority Pass is a global airport lounge membership (often called an airport lounge pass) that gives you access to over 1,800 airport lounges and experiences, regardless of which airline or class you’re flying. Think comfy chairs, decent Wi-Fi, free snacks (yes, actual food), and drinks – including the boozy kind. All that, without needing a business class ticket or a secret handshake. How Does Priority Pass Work in the UK? Simple. You pick a membership level, download the app, and walk into a lounge like you own the place (after they scan your QR code, obviously). In the UK, you'll find lounges in all the big airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow… even Luton! Once inside, you can enjoy everything from full English breakfasts to sparkling wine and cheeky biscuits. I’ve used it at least 36 times this year – and not once have I been turned away. I feel like I’ve beaten the system. (Which probably means next time I try to enter, they’ll body-scan me and push me back into Pret.) Let's Do the Maths: Is Priority Pass Worth It? My Usage: Average visits: 3 per month Price per visit with Priority Pass: £24 Normal lounge entry: approx £45 Cost Without Priority Pass: 3 lounges x £45 x 12 months = £1,620 Cost With Priority Pass: 3 lounges x £24 x 12 months = £864 Standard Airport Visit Pret £7 Meal £34 Drinks £24 Flight Snacks from WhSmiths/Boots £12 =£77 (WTF) x average 3 flights per month £2772 WOW! Not to mention, if you go with the Standard Plus plan, which includes 10 free visits for £183 (with the 20% discount), you can tailor the maths even further to your flying habits. This is where Priority Pass really starts to make sense financially… Compared to paying £40–£45 per visit, a Priority Pass effectively turns airport lounge access into a much cheaper per-flight upgrade. Priority Pass Membership Options (2026) Priority Pass offers three main membership plans depending on how often you travel. These are often referred to as airport lounge passes, and each option gives different levels of access. Standard Standard Plus Prestige These Priority Pass membership plans (also known as airport lounge passes) are designed for occasional travellers through to frequent flyers who want unlimited lounge access. 👉 Check my exclusive 30% off link and start flying like a VIP without paying business class prices. My Favourite Priority Pass Lounges This Year No1 Lounge, Heathrow Terminal 2 This one feels like a proper treat. Stylish, spacious, with hot food thats fresh and delicious yet light.They even have their own signature cocktail! No 1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2: Is This the Swankiest Spot Before Take-Off? Heading my way to Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge 🇮🇹 Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge Italian pasta, espresso followed by an aperol or two. It’s giving “first class” without the price tag. A must if you’re flying out of Rome. Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge Review Not Every Lounge is a Winner… Let’s address the one dud in the pack: the Escape Lounge at Manchester Terminal 1. Dull food, tired furniture, and a layout that made it feel like a hospital waiting room. What Lounges Can You Access With Priority Pass? Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide, including lounges at major UK airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. These include well-known lounges such as Plaza Premium, No1 Lounge, Aspire Lounges and Escape Lounges, many of which normally charge £35–£45 for entry. 👉 You can see my full guides here: If you’re flying from London, check my full guide to the Best Heathrow Airport Lounges or see which Gatwick Airport Lounges are actually worth it before you travel. Here are my Best UK Airport Lounges along with Manchester Airport Lounges. Can You Take a Guest With Priority Pass? Yes, and that’s one of my favourite features. I’ve brought my partner in with me a bunch of times, and it only costs £24 per guest. Trust me, it’s way cheaper than feeding them airport meal deals and pretending the Wetherspoons bar is “romantic.” Do You Get Free Drinks with Priority Pass? You bet. In most lounges, you can expect complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, though some have restrictions (e.g. no bottles, one champagne glass per visit, etc). In Rome and Vienna, I had Prosecco. How to Get Priority Pass for Free (or Cheap) There are a few clever ways to get a free or discounted Priority Pass: Premium Credit Cards Many UK premium credit cards offer Priority Pass access as part of the perks: Amex Platinum: Unlimited access + guest access (included in the high fee) HSBC Premier World Elite: Includes some free visits Revolute Metal: Lounge access with discounted passes Discounted Plans Right now, you can get up to 30% off direct through my Priority Pass link, meaning: Standard Plan: £48/year Standard Plus: £183/year Prestige (Unlimited Access): £377/year Not bad when you consider the average lounge visit is £45 without it. Be quick this LINK and Exclusive offer won't last long!! What Are the Drawbacks of Priority Pass? Nothing’s perfect – not even my lounge selfies – so here’s the real talk: Not All Lounges Are Created Equal! Some lounges are better than others. You might get sushi in Tokyo and stale crisps in Stansted. Why Priority Pass Is Still Worth It Lounge access is a game changer when travelling frequently. And a Priority Pass gives you flexibility, you’re not tied to one airline or one terminal. Access to over 1900 lounges and airport experiences worldwide Often includes free guest passes Great for long layovers and delays Can be bundled with premium credit cards And, right now, you can get up to 30% off membership Even if you only fly four or five times a year, the cost per visit quickly becomes worth it especially at airports like Heathrow where food and drink prices are eye-watering. Airport Lounge Capacity Issues While I’ve never personally been turned away, I’ve heard of others being refused during peak hours. Plane tip: use the app to check live lounge capacity or pre-book when available. Did you Know You can Pre Book Most Lounges I sometimes pre booked my visit, this is really easy to do on the Priority Pass website, I put down an approximate time around 3 hours before my flight. Guest Fees Add Up Bringing guests is fab, but if you do it often, the £24 fee per person can add up. That said, still cheaper than buying two airport meals and coffees. Is Priority Pass Worth It in 2026? For me? 100% yes. I fly a lot, both for content and my never-ending quest to find the world’s best airport croissant. I used to waste money on overpriced snacks and noisy waiting areas. Now? I relax, refuel, and sometimes sneak in a power nap before boarding. Even if you fly once a month, you’ll start to see savings and the quality of life upgrade is immense. Honestly, just being able to charge your phone without lurking near a bin is priceless. Still Wondering, “Is Priority Pass Worth It?” I get it – it’s not a small expense up front. But for me, Priority Pass has paid for itself three times over, and then some. Whether you’re looking to escape the chaos of departures, sneak in a spa treatment, or save money at airport restaurants – this little card (or app) unlocks a lot more than you think. And with perks extending well beyond the lounge, Priority Pass isn’t just for the terminal. It’s your full-on travel wingman. See my full breakdown of Priority Pass benefits beyond lounges. Here are some of the Airport Lounges I've visited in the last 12 months, thanks to my Priority Pass, just look at this value! Is There a Priority Pass Discount Code? Priority Pass doesn’t usually offer public discount codes, but you can often get up to 30% off through selected partner links. 👉 Use my exclusive 30% off link and start flying like a VIP – without paying business class prices. Final Boarding Call: Should You Get Priority Pass? If you travel semi-regularly, like good food, and hate airport chaos – Priority Pass is a no-brainer. Priority Pass Review 2026 Feature Verdict Price Starts at £48/year with 30% off Lounge Access 1,800+ lounges globally Guest Access Yes, for £24 each Drinks & Food Mostly free and decent quality Value for Money Excellent if you fly 10+ times a year Favourite Lounges Vienna, Rome, Heathrow T2 Least Favourite Manchester T1 (goodbye forever) Is It Worth It? Absolutely, yes. Got questions? Drop them in the comments – or better yet, catch me in the lounge. I’ll be the one sipping Prosecco at 9am like it’s completely normal. London Gatwick Lounge Reviews London Heathrow Lounge Reviews Plane Related Articles More Priority Pass Guides New to Priority Pass or planning your next airport visit? These guides should help: What Is Priority Pass and How Does It Work? My complete beginner’s guide Priority Pass Membership Costs, Compare the plans, prices and visit fees Priority Pass Lounges UK, Browse the complete UK lounge list Priority Pass Heathrow, Find lounges terminal by terminal Priority Pass Gatwick, See which North and South Terminal lounges you can access Priority Pass Benefits, Discover what’s included beyond airport lounge access Priority Pass Discount Code – Check whether you can currently save up to 30% on membership. Happy travels, and see you in the lounge! I’ll definitely be back, with that 30% Priority Pass deal in my carry-on. Get yourself one, breeze through the airport, and take off in style! Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on. Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access – Was It Worth It? 👉 Follow the Journey on Instagram Airport lounges, free upgrades, travel chaos and the occasional meltdown. Real travel, not influencer nonsense. Plane Extras The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne. 🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75% at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK → 🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco? Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1800+ lounges worldwide. 🌍 Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions. 🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront → 📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Arlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required. 💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral → or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.